'Bates Motel' Renewed For Season 2 On A&E

A&E has picked up the "Pyscho" prequel series, which stars Freddie Highmore and Vera Farmiga as Norman and Norma Bates respectively, for a second season.

The renewal of "Bates Motel" comes as no surprise: The premiere brought in 3.0 million viewers total, making it the most-watched original drama debut in the key demographics in A&E's history.

“Bates Motel’ has garnered critical acclaim and a loyal audience in its first few weeks,” said A&E President Bob DeBitetto in a statement. “With superb writing and exceptional acting, led by the critically acclaimed performances of Vera Farmiga and Freddie Highmore, we’re incredibly excited to see where [executive producers] Carlton [Cuse] and Kerry [Ehrin] take Norma and Norman Bates next.”

Season 2 of “Bates Motel” will begin pre-production later this year on 10 new episodes, which are slated to premiere in 2014.